Rose Madder aka Alizerin

[JanMoore]

I'm interested to know how others have tackled the use of this pigment. It is one of my all time favorite colors! But is difficult because the particles are usually too large and won't disperse in water. I've discovered one odd ball solution, but I'd like to hear from others.

[Pelinagrage]

I have found that alcohol can be used to make a paste of some lakes and other water insoluble pigments that can then be worked with water and tempera. There is a word of caution though! A little goes a very, very long way! I also use a seperate brush for the duration as it tends to bleed everywhere. Jay

[JanMoore]

Thanks for this tip. I have used isopropyl alcohol initially to create the paint. As I'm working, however, the pigment separates. Also, do you find that the paint as applied is grainy?

[Pelinagrage]

Hi sorry I didn't respond sooner. Yes it is most definitely a problem! I use it sparingly and mull it to death with a pallet knife on glass. I tried mortar and pestle years ago but found that problematic. On reading through the forums of late I am determined to try some of the alizarin subs mentioned. Sometimes I regret the facility of squeezing my medium out of tube but that is rare and I always come back to my senses. I tried to use alizarin on a large mural project a few years ago because I wanted that perfect hue on a large flowing robe and it turned into a bit of a nightmare. It was a very large area and that was what made it really difficult. Jay

[JanMoore]

This may seem a bit odd, but here's how I've solved the problem. I used a "toy" rock tumbler to grind down the pigment. The recipe I used was:
Put the pigment into the tumbler with a few marbles, some alcohol and some water (just enough to nearly cover the marbles). I let it tumble for a couple of days (outside, so I wouldn't have the sound driving me nuts!). I emptied the pigment solution into a small jar with a tight lid, like a baby food jar. The solution had way too much water to use immediately. After a few days, the pigment settled to the bottom of the jar and I was able to skim off most of the water. In my climate, the water continued to evaporate for a few more days after that until the solution was nearly thick enough to use. I used this pigment to paint a conch shell and it worked beautifully. No grit and no more separation.

I know this is alot of processing, but if you love alizerin like I do, it's worth it.

I'm looking for other ideas that might be easier and less time consuming.

[Alessandra Kelley]

Actually I think the rock tumber idea is brilliant.